A species of spider which can grow to the size of rats is making a comeback in the UK - after nearly facing extinction. The fen raft spider - or the great raft spider - is one of Europe's largest arachnids . It can lay up to 700 eggs and, with mating season just weeks away, its presence has been seen across the UK.
But in 2010, the species was on the verge of extinction as wetland homes were destroyed by humans. Conservation charities have since helped steadily increase the numbers and thousands now live in many nature reserves in the UK. Up to 3,750 female fen raft spiders live across 12 sites in Norfolk and Suffolk Broads alone, it is estimated by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
The fen raft spider only lives in fens, marshes and wetlands, and uses its long hairy legs to skate across the surface of the water. Tim Strudwick, the RSPB Mid Yare nature reserves site manager where many of spiders are homed, said: "The fen raft spider is one of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and we are proud of the role our reserves and teams have played in its recovery. "These spiders have an important role in maintaining the rich aquatic diversity found in the grazing ditches on our reserves.
The females are impressive in size, but also beautiful – they are truly special to see." But Mail Online reports the species' diet includes other spiders, damselflies, dragonfly larvae and even fish and tadpoles. The great raft spider isn't venemous, though, and can actually be "fa.